South Africa won the first trophy available to them in their home summer with victory in the three-match Twenty20 series. After piling on the fifth highest score posted in the shortest format (at both international and domestic level) at St George's Park, thanks largely to an 89-run third wicket stand between Henry Davids and Justin Ontong, Aaron Phangiso and Ryan McLaren ensured South Africa defended it comfortably.

All of New Zealand's bowlers save for Mitchell McClenaghan and Ronnie Hira failed to read the pace of the Port Elizabeth pitch. Against the aggression of Davids and Ontong they gave away too many runs which allowed the pair to lay the launch-pad for take-off.

New Zealand did not have the batsmen to do the same. With Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum at the crease, there was some hope. Once the dominoes began to fall, there was no stopping the slide. Still, New Zealand competed with the hosts with more heart than was expected of them to set the tone ahead for the Test matches.

As an example of their ability to ruffle feathers, New Zealand had the hosts in early trouble, even in the absence of Richard Levi. South Africa's opening partnership stuttered again when Faf du Plessis, who was promoted to bat in his preferred top-two spot, was bowled by Ronnie Hira as he attempted to hit through mid-wicket.

Levi's omission also meant Quinton de Kock was given more responsibility at No. 3 but his inexperience showed. Instead of rotating strike while Davids kept going, de Kock tried to loft McClenaghan over long-on and got a leading edge. Corey Anderson ran from mid-off to take the catch at mid-on and de Kock's series with the bat ended without him living up to the hype.

Davids had none of the same expectation but exceeded all hopes. He displayed a range of classical shots, tinged only with some extra intent. The drive off the back foot and the pull shot were his hallmarks but more notable than that was that he scored off almost every ball he faced. Both he and Ontong pushed each other between the wickets and put pressure on the New Zealand fielders.

The only chance they offered was when Davids went aerial against Doug Bracewell and lobbed the ball to Martin Guptill at short extra cover. Guptill seemed to lose the ball in the background and although he got fingers to it, spilt the chance. Davids was on 32 and went on to more than double his score.

As Davids grew in confidence, so did Ontong, whose assurance swelled against James Franklin. Ontong hit him for back to back sixes: down the ground and then to deep mid-wicket but Franklin won the mini-battle when Ontong was caught trying to send another slower ball over the leg-side boundary. Still, he had taken 16 runs off the five balls he faced in that over and South Africa had 116 runs and seven wickets in hand as they approached the last five overs.

Those turned out to the most profitable, even though Davids departed mid-way through. South Africa added 63 runs in the final quarter of their innings, thanks to their big-hitters. Farhaan Behardien and David Miller both struck the ball cleanly against New Zealand's clueless death bowlers.

Contrastingly, South Africa's attack had a firm grip on what was required. Ryan McClaren had Rob Nicol lbw in the first over when he was struck in line of middle and offstump. Guptill showed glimpses of the form he displayed three days ago when his 101 took New Zealand to victory. He drove with power and was assisted by McCullum, who seemed to finally find his placement.

Just as the two settled, Guptill tried to paddle Phangiso over short fine-leg but was caught by Robin Peterson. Phangiso claimed another big scalp in his next over when McCullum thought he had got him over long-off but was caught on the boundary.

New Zealand remained in the hunt and after 11 overs had the same score South Africa had posted - 71 - but had lost two more wickets. Colin Munro edged a McLaren short ball and James Franklin swung to long-on to give Phangiso his third. The point of no return was reached when Morne Morkel leapt to his left at short third man to send Jimmy Neesham on his way.

The required run rate climbed to over 14 to an over with six to go and only last rites were left to be performed. Rory Kleinveldt took the ninth wicket but Morne Morkel finished without reward as a new South African era made itself known. For New Zealand, there remains much to work on. They were suspected to have bled 20 runs too many but in the end, were almost double that short.

Fidrose is clearly not a quinton de knock fan, well most cricket followers are. A 20yr old who bats at 3 or 4 is a rare talent and he is a wicketkeeper!!! (Was keeper at school btw)

T20 or pyjama cricket is a breeding ground for identifying talent for the ODI and test team. From an sa perspective players that I think deserve ODI call up are Q de kock, phangiso and David's. (excluding current ODI players like Morne and Faff, etc). Ontong, berhadien, Levi have all had their chances but never taken them.

HawK89
on December 28, 2012, 6:49 GMT

@Voorblad Going to x2.5 the amount of wickets too for T20 to justify your equation? Big win is saying the opposition had next to no chance on winning, but NZ had a fair chance most of the way, until loss of wickets and good bowling which made the difference swing SA's way. Embarrassing is when a team has already lost half way through the match, like what AUS did to SL today.

dummy4fb
on December 27, 2012, 18:42 GMT

De kock looked good behind the stumps and with kallis retiring in the within the next 5 years the proteas will need de kock to keep wicket as they don't have a all rounder who can replace kallis. De villiers needs to give up keeping in test matches aa its not helping his back and the proteas need him more as a batsmen especially when kallis retires. If South Africa can give van der merwe or phangiso a run in the test side the bowling attack will look more balanced as they are lacking a spinner.

dummy4fb
on December 27, 2012, 17:55 GMT

@Cricketfan64, Quinton de Kock has been a keeper-batsmen since high school, how on earth are they now forcing the gloves on him? I didn't see him make a single big mistake in the T20Is; he looked perfectly comfortable at keeper.

Cricketfan64
on December 27, 2012, 17:04 GMT

What does surprise me we are suddenly looking for a wicket keeper and here we have a talented youngster De kock who everybody has penned in has the next best thing to Mark Boucher. Here a few points.

1. De Kock is not a wicket keeper and we should not be looking for batsmen who we can make into a wicky we have some very good wicket keepers who are not bad batsmen like Rudi Seconds very good keeper and very good batsmen and only just turned 23 there is our answer.

I am sure Q De Kock will be a great batsmen for the future but dont force him on the wickets keeper area that will not help.

SICHO
on December 27, 2012, 14:52 GMT

you know this was suppose to be SA vs NZ, the last thing I expected was bitter indians and as usual whinning aussies and poms. Chill, you had your chance came and we panel beated you in your own backyards. As for indians your chance will come next year december.

Grav1ty
on December 27, 2012, 12:45 GMT

The problem SA is faced with whenever playing NZ is that the pressure is on to win, and if the win isn't huge, the SA team will be criticized for being 'average'. Let's not forget how NZ beat SA in the big tournaments and how young the SA team is. With the series 1-1, the 'rookies' showed they can handle the series decider. Even with the loss of two early wickets and the possibility of an early collapse, it was the 'rookies' who accelerated to finish at almost 9 per over.

Okay, maybe it's just T20 and bubblegum cricket, but it's probably the closest NZ will push SA in the tour. We're looking forward to the Test series with the skills of Kallis, Amla, de Villiers, Steyn and Phillander on show. What more can NZ bring to make a contest of this?

dummy4fb
on December 27, 2012, 12:29 GMT

maf17 - you're correct about the Boxing Day Test being a premium event unless, of course, the opposition is someone like Sri Lanka, who barely scraped past 150 runs while Australia will only have to bat once.

jb633
on December 27, 2012, 12:20 GMT

The least impressive cricketers can shine in the least important format. In fairness to Davids he looks like a proper cricketer. Ontong is your bog standard talentless T20 cricketer who would naver have the ability to make test match runs. Don't really rate this SA attack at all. They are two injuries away from being your bog standard test match side. Not much reserves in the fast bowling department.

Voorblad
on December 27, 2012, 12:17 GMT

@Hawk89 How is 33 runs a big win?? well let's see, 33 run win in 20 overs = 82.5 run win in ODI, that's pretty big.

TommytuckerSaffa
on December 29, 2012, 1:08 GMT

Fidrose is clearly not a quinton de knock fan, well most cricket followers are. A 20yr old who bats at 3 or 4 is a rare talent and he is a wicketkeeper!!! (Was keeper at school btw)

T20 or pyjama cricket is a breeding ground for identifying talent for the ODI and test team. From an sa perspective players that I think deserve ODI call up are Q de kock, phangiso and David's. (excluding current ODI players like Morne and Faff, etc). Ontong, berhadien, Levi have all had their chances but never taken them.

HawK89
on December 28, 2012, 6:49 GMT

@Voorblad Going to x2.5 the amount of wickets too for T20 to justify your equation? Big win is saying the opposition had next to no chance on winning, but NZ had a fair chance most of the way, until loss of wickets and good bowling which made the difference swing SA's way. Embarrassing is when a team has already lost half way through the match, like what AUS did to SL today.

dummy4fb
on December 27, 2012, 18:42 GMT

De kock looked good behind the stumps and with kallis retiring in the within the next 5 years the proteas will need de kock to keep wicket as they don't have a all rounder who can replace kallis. De villiers needs to give up keeping in test matches aa its not helping his back and the proteas need him more as a batsmen especially when kallis retires. If South Africa can give van der merwe or phangiso a run in the test side the bowling attack will look more balanced as they are lacking a spinner.

dummy4fb
on December 27, 2012, 17:55 GMT

@Cricketfan64, Quinton de Kock has been a keeper-batsmen since high school, how on earth are they now forcing the gloves on him? I didn't see him make a single big mistake in the T20Is; he looked perfectly comfortable at keeper.

Cricketfan64
on December 27, 2012, 17:04 GMT

What does surprise me we are suddenly looking for a wicket keeper and here we have a talented youngster De kock who everybody has penned in has the next best thing to Mark Boucher. Here a few points.

1. De Kock is not a wicket keeper and we should not be looking for batsmen who we can make into a wicky we have some very good wicket keepers who are not bad batsmen like Rudi Seconds very good keeper and very good batsmen and only just turned 23 there is our answer.

I am sure Q De Kock will be a great batsmen for the future but dont force him on the wickets keeper area that will not help.

SICHO
on December 27, 2012, 14:52 GMT

you know this was suppose to be SA vs NZ, the last thing I expected was bitter indians and as usual whinning aussies and poms. Chill, you had your chance came and we panel beated you in your own backyards. As for indians your chance will come next year december.

Grav1ty
on December 27, 2012, 12:45 GMT

The problem SA is faced with whenever playing NZ is that the pressure is on to win, and if the win isn't huge, the SA team will be criticized for being 'average'. Let's not forget how NZ beat SA in the big tournaments and how young the SA team is. With the series 1-1, the 'rookies' showed they can handle the series decider. Even with the loss of two early wickets and the possibility of an early collapse, it was the 'rookies' who accelerated to finish at almost 9 per over.

Okay, maybe it's just T20 and bubblegum cricket, but it's probably the closest NZ will push SA in the tour. We're looking forward to the Test series with the skills of Kallis, Amla, de Villiers, Steyn and Phillander on show. What more can NZ bring to make a contest of this?

dummy4fb
on December 27, 2012, 12:29 GMT

maf17 - you're correct about the Boxing Day Test being a premium event unless, of course, the opposition is someone like Sri Lanka, who barely scraped past 150 runs while Australia will only have to bat once.

jb633
on December 27, 2012, 12:20 GMT

The least impressive cricketers can shine in the least important format. In fairness to Davids he looks like a proper cricketer. Ontong is your bog standard talentless T20 cricketer who would naver have the ability to make test match runs. Don't really rate this SA attack at all. They are two injuries away from being your bog standard test match side. Not much reserves in the fast bowling department.

Voorblad
on December 27, 2012, 12:17 GMT

@Hawk89 How is 33 runs a big win?? well let's see, 33 run win in 20 overs = 82.5 run win in ODI, that's pretty big.

Mrinal-Banday
on December 27, 2012, 8:41 GMT

congratulations! Go Ahead

quittthewhinging
on December 27, 2012, 8:13 GMT

@maf17. Why would not partaking in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG be "a bad deal for SA cricket". If we were creaming off some of the funds that flowed into CA's coffers, that might be true. But otherwise I see no benefit lost. Australia refuses any reciprocation regarding the year-end Tests so don't be surprised if other nations pass up the "honour" of participating at the MCG & SCG. Mate, you get what you deserve and this year it's SL.

quittthewhinging
on December 27, 2012, 7:55 GMT

I agree with SurkyCynic re deKock. He kept quite adequately and miscued his shot yesterday; by hey! this is T20 & he was probably told to get on with it being the first 6 overs. Remember, he only turned 20 two weeks ago. If a youngster clearly shows talent, you have to persevere with him. And it so happens that this coincides with the sudden departure of the incumbent w/k so it is necessary to focus on a replacement NOW. Remember Kallis? When he was first selected it took him ages to come right. But the then selectors saw something in him & persevered.

@ ashwa1992. Oh come on! Nobody is obssessed with Phangiso & there isn't a bowler anywhere who doesn't get smashed by Gayle. One thing I have noticed over the past few months, against England & now Pakistan, India's much-vaunted spinners are a mirage. They are definitely not as good as they are cracked up to be. So leave Phangiso alone; he was quite good in the CL for the Highveld Lions & deserves a chance.

ian45
on December 27, 2012, 6:11 GMT

got to love the excuses here, you lot have always got something to whine about when you get whipped, werent you harping on how nz is fighting back after sunday,now you lose the series and T20 isnt relevant, lets see the excuses when we whip you in the tests and odi's (AGAIN) and remember all a dry ball is a happy ball :)

ian45
on December 27, 2012, 4:52 GMT

@ashwa1992, btw, kind of like the poor indians who are yet to win a series here LOL

TommytuckerSaffa
on December 27, 2012, 3:57 GMT

This was a nice appetiser before the main course - test match cricket.

maf17
on December 27, 2012, 1:46 GMT

Sorry, I'm confused. My understanding was that SA gave up the Boxing Day Test in Australia because they wanted to play Boxing Day Tests of their own at home. yet here they are on Boxing Day playing T20. Against NZ. No matter how much you love T20, the MCG Boxing Day Test is second only to a Lords Ashes Test as the long game's premium event. This was a bad deal for SA cricket.

Lermy
on December 26, 2012, 23:53 GMT

NZ bowlers seriously overdid the slower ball. Its a good weapon if used as a surprise delivery, and bowled on target. When 3-4 balls an over are slower, and bowled wide or short, even I could probably hit them to the boundary. Take Bracewells last over. 3 boundaries, then he takes 2 wickets. The weird thing was that those two wicket taking deliveries were the only ones he bent his back for all night. 145 kph (probably the fastest delivery of the night by anyone) and 140 kph. Rest of the time he's bowling like Chris Harris. C'mon Douggie, you're there to bowl pace. Your 4 overs of "stock" loose slower balls is costing games!

EnglishCricket
on December 26, 2012, 23:22 GMT

The new guys Phangiso is overrated and there are clearly far more better left arm spinners than him. I saw his overs in the first match and looked way too ordinary and today was luck with the wickets as New Zealand had to go for it.

HawK89
on December 26, 2012, 22:57 GMT

how is 33 runs a big win? also, McCullum again trying to carry the team because everyone else doesn't know how to hold a bat. Guptil playing for himself again, got a 100 last game and thinks he can waste deliveries because of what he calls "form". Nicol again proving he shouldn't be in the side, along with franklin. New guys shouldn't be judged to harshly since they weren't very good to begin with.

dummy4fb
on December 26, 2012, 21:42 GMT

T20 is irrelevant, looking forward to the real cricket.

THE_MIZ
on December 26, 2012, 19:53 GMT

I'm so glad that Ontong and Behardien silenced the critics today. Before the game everyone kept complaining about how weak a replacement Ontong is. Lol, played a gem with Davids...I also think that its definitely a good idea that SA are playing at smaller venues. We all know that when the Big Boys (Aus, Eng, India etc) come, the bigger cities get preference. I recall that before the Paarl game vs Sri Lanka there wasn't an international game there in close on a decade!!! The game was a sell-out! Today's game too! Why complain? There are always games either at Centurion, Wanderers. Nothing wrong with sharing! Cricket Fan from Pretoria

dummy4fb
on December 26, 2012, 19:44 GMT

A few bowlers, like Martin, have been able to kiss the ball off South African pitches, like South African bowlers do, for New Zealand. It looks like McClenaghan maybe able to. But too few of New Zealand's batters have been able to ride the height or shape of the ball that kisses off their pitches.

dummy4fb
on December 26, 2012, 19:08 GMT

How can you say that De Kock did not live up to the hype? His T20 batting average of 30 is better than the T20 averages of AB and Kallis which isn't bad for a 20yr old after his first international series. I hope De Kock, Davids and Phangiso all get a run in the ODI series- SA have some exciting newcomers!

dummy4fb
on December 26, 2012, 18:57 GMT

The criticism of De Kock is unfair, to average 30+ in your first international T20 series seems pretty good to me and considering that De Kock is only 20yrs old I hope he gets a run in the ODI series together with Davids and Phangiso.

Springbok111
on December 26, 2012, 18:08 GMT

Supa_Saffa: Sorry Boet, can't accept that, I promise most of us are still here! I would hazard a guess that 97% of us are still here. In fact I would suggest that there are still more people in Joburg and Pretoria than the rest of the venues put together. We don't all participate in the rock slide. Definitely more than Paarl and Potch anyway!

dummy4fb
on December 26, 2012, 17:50 GMT

@Tjoeps, what rubbish are you talking about. I give South Africa the series for winning it. @ashwa1992, another bitter Indian supporter always having to belittle another nations players

SladeR
on December 26, 2012, 17:35 GMT

New Zealand.... normal losing service has resumed. Guptil apart, great to see the senior pros, Nicol, Franklin & captain craptastic B McCullum contribute a combined 97 runs and the sparkling overall average if 12.

Unbelievable that McCullum expects the rookies to 'step up' when the senior pros provide such a shite example.

Supa_SAFFA
on December 26, 2012, 17:23 GMT

@Springbok111: At the height of the summer holiday season the T20's in the coastal cities of CT, PE and EL should be counted as being played at Gauteng venues.

ashwa1992
on December 26, 2012, 16:53 GMT

Why people r so much obsessed with phangiso????? It is crazy... in CL he would have been smashed around if either Gayle or yuvraj was there..... fortunately for him none of them was there and here to bullying around some poor newzealanders.......

Tjoeps
on December 26, 2012, 16:47 GMT

Sorry Faf, you flaffed it with your speech at the end, all about 'I the captain...' I think Henry Davids played a great series, Martin Guptill stole the show, was a great knock.... Why Quinton's leading edge was an issue boggles the mind.... Show me any top 50 batters that have not misread speed / bounce.... Faf's shot was a greater issue to me, as CAPTAIN he should have known better... Ja, well no fine, we won, but it was no great series, I'll give the Kiwi's the nod in trying...

Springbok111
on December 26, 2012, 16:33 GMT

Well done SA! Firdose (or someone), do you know why on earth there is not a single game in any format being played in Joburg or Pretoria? There are two in Paarl, even one in Potch, and nothing in the most populated region of the country. Not to mention that this area probably contributes at least 75% of CSA's funds through DSTV royalties! It's disgraceful!

KC_69
on December 26, 2012, 16:12 GMT

South Africa is really dominating the world of cricket and still there isn't much fan following in SA for cricket(unlike subcontinent or Australia/England).

777aditya
on December 26, 2012, 15:43 GMT

Great to see Phangiso being persisted with - from what little I have seen of him in the Champions League, he surely seems a good prospect. In the second match, he could not grip the ball properly due to dew. There also might have been some nerves since it was his debut. Today, he bowled with decent control. He should be groomed along side Petersen. Had Duminy not been injured, he could well have been made the T20 captain - but no one's complaining, FAF is doing a swell job.

TheRisingTeam
on December 26, 2012, 15:11 GMT

New Zealand have no chance in the ODI or Test series.

SurlyCynic
on December 26, 2012, 15:06 GMT

Well Ontong played a good innings, so well done to him, but the problem is he's like Levi - one good innings in every 10/15 is not enough. When Duminy and AB come back it will be a big improvement. Another fine performance from Davids, and good finishing from Miller and Behardien. And a solid comeback from Phangiso. Not sure why De Kock is criticised for his series, kept well, good innings in Durban, failed here and didn't bat in EL. Not bad for a first T20 series, think some people can't wait to criticise him which is a bit sad for such a promising young talent.

777aditya
on December 26, 2012, 15:43 GMT

Great to see Phangiso being persisted with - from what little I have seen of him in the Champions League, he surely seems a good prospect. In the second match, he could not grip the ball properly due to dew. There also might have been some nerves since it was his debut. Today, he bowled with decent control. He should be groomed along side Petersen. Had Duminy not been injured, he could well have been made the T20 captain - but no one's complaining, FAF is doing a swell job.

SurlyCynic
on December 26, 2012, 15:06 GMT

Well Ontong played a good innings, so well done to him, but the problem is he's like Levi - one good innings in every 10/15 is not enough. When Duminy and AB come back it will be a big improvement. Another fine performance from Davids, and good finishing from Miller and Behardien. And a solid comeback from Phangiso. Not sure why De Kock is criticised for his series, kept well, good innings in Durban, failed here and didn't bat in EL. Not bad for a first T20 series, think some people can't wait to criticise him which is a bit sad for such a promising young talent.

SurlyCynic
on December 26, 2012, 15:06 GMT

Well Ontong played a good innings, so well done to him, but the problem is he's like Levi - one good innings in every 10/15 is not enough. When Duminy and AB come back it will be a big improvement. Another fine performance from Davids, and good finishing from Miller and Behardien. And a solid comeback from Phangiso. Not sure why De Kock is criticised for his series, kept well, good innings in Durban, failed here and didn't bat in EL. Not bad for a first T20 series, think some people can't wait to criticise him which is a bit sad for such a promising young talent.

TheRisingTeam
on December 26, 2012, 15:11 GMT

New Zealand have no chance in the ODI or Test series.

777aditya
on December 26, 2012, 15:43 GMT

Great to see Phangiso being persisted with - from what little I have seen of him in the Champions League, he surely seems a good prospect. In the second match, he could not grip the ball properly due to dew. There also might have been some nerves since it was his debut. Today, he bowled with decent control. He should be groomed along side Petersen. Had Duminy not been injured, he could well have been made the T20 captain - but no one's complaining, FAF is doing a swell job.

KC_69
on December 26, 2012, 16:12 GMT

South Africa is really dominating the world of cricket and still there isn't much fan following in SA for cricket(unlike subcontinent or Australia/England).

Springbok111
on December 26, 2012, 16:33 GMT

Well done SA! Firdose (or someone), do you know why on earth there is not a single game in any format being played in Joburg or Pretoria? There are two in Paarl, even one in Potch, and nothing in the most populated region of the country. Not to mention that this area probably contributes at least 75% of CSA's funds through DSTV royalties! It's disgraceful!

Tjoeps
on December 26, 2012, 16:47 GMT

Sorry Faf, you flaffed it with your speech at the end, all about 'I the captain...' I think Henry Davids played a great series, Martin Guptill stole the show, was a great knock.... Why Quinton's leading edge was an issue boggles the mind.... Show me any top 50 batters that have not misread speed / bounce.... Faf's shot was a greater issue to me, as CAPTAIN he should have known better... Ja, well no fine, we won, but it was no great series, I'll give the Kiwi's the nod in trying...

ashwa1992
on December 26, 2012, 16:53 GMT

Why people r so much obsessed with phangiso????? It is crazy... in CL he would have been smashed around if either Gayle or yuvraj was there..... fortunately for him none of them was there and here to bullying around some poor newzealanders.......

Supa_SAFFA
on December 26, 2012, 17:23 GMT

@Springbok111: At the height of the summer holiday season the T20's in the coastal cities of CT, PE and EL should be counted as being played at Gauteng venues.

SladeR
on December 26, 2012, 17:35 GMT

New Zealand.... normal losing service has resumed. Guptil apart, great to see the senior pros, Nicol, Franklin & captain craptastic B McCullum contribute a combined 97 runs and the sparkling overall average if 12.

Unbelievable that McCullum expects the rookies to 'step up' when the senior pros provide such a shite example.

dummy4fb
on December 26, 2012, 17:50 GMT

@Tjoeps, what rubbish are you talking about. I give South Africa the series for winning it. @ashwa1992, another bitter Indian supporter always having to belittle another nations players